Thermoelectric Properties of Bismuth Telluride Filled Silicone

Bismuth telluride filled silicone rubber composite was extruded into millimeter-sized wires using electrospinning. The composite wires were tested in view of the electrical resistance and Seebeck coefficient. The highest electrical resistance measured is 2.9*1010 ohms. The composite material exhibited high Seebeck effect because silicone rubber exhibits low thermal conductivity as a result of increased phonon scatters. Moreover, compared with the bulk reference material, the thermoelectric property of bismuth telluride is notably enhanced. Due to the inherent flexibility of silicone rubber and thermoelectric property of bismuth telluride, it is possible for making a flexible thermoelectric material for alternative energy applications